Personal Injury: Do I need to speak with an attorney if I’ve been injured by someone?

Being injured in an auto accident or as the result of someone else’s mistake can be a frustrating and costly experience. There are many aspects to consider. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering are just a few of the considerations that enter into determining the cost of a personal injury.

Insurance companies frequently will seek to settle an injury right away, as soon as a few days after the injury occurred. Sometimes injured persons take money without considering all the facets of the situation. Whether or not you seek counsel is your decision but here are a few things to consider.

It’s usually a good idea to seek counsel before taking money.

Rarely is it a good idea for an injured person to take money from an insurance company without speaking with an attorney. In order for you to receive money from the insurance company they will require that you sign a release which will no longer allow you to seek money from them for damages or other complications resulting from the injury and/or accident. Attorneys that handle these situations understand the many facets of these situations and can help ensure that you understand the many aspects of your claim also.

Getting treatment is the main priority.

Since you have experienced an injury that may affect your ability to work and enjoy life it’s usually a good idea to have an attorney handle your claim so you can focus on your treatment plan and getting well from the injury. Completing treatment before settling your case is also important so that the total value of your claim can be better understood when seeking money from the insurance company.

An initial consultation with an attorney is usually free.

Most attorneys will give you a free consultation so it doesn’t hurt to take advantage of that aspect of their services. An attorney can explain to you how the insurance claims process works and what steps you need to take to ensure you get money to cover the costs associated with your injury.

This blog is intended for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to serve as a substitute for talking to a lawyer. In fact, the first step you can take towards resolving your problem is to have a face to face conversation with one of our lawyers. Our consultations are free, they are confidential, and we can almost always schedule you an appointment the same day we receive a call.